Expert Ultrasound Imaging for Your Pet — No Referral Needed
Our board-certified Internal Medicine and Cardiology specialists perform every ultrasound themselves. This approach ensures high-quality imaging, expert interpretation, and faster access to care—all without the stress of visiting an unfamiliar referral facility.
What is a Pet Ultrasound?
A pet ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to produce real-time images of your pet’s internal organs—some of which cannot be seen on X-rays. It allows us to assess organ structure and function, investigate symptoms like vomiting or weight loss, and detect issues such as inflammation, fluid, or masses. The procedure is gentle and generally well tolerated.
What Happens During a Pet Ultrasound?
The process is gentle and pet-friendly:
- Minimal restraint is used to keep your pet comfortable
- The area to be scanned is shaved, and a gel is applied
- Our specialist uses a handheld probe to capture real-time images
- Depending on the area being examined, your pet may lie on their side or back in a comfortable, padded trough
- We may recommend sedation if your pet is anxious or in pain to ensure their safety and comfort throughout the procedure
Types of Ultrasounds We Offer
We know it’s stressful when your pet isn’t feeling well. We offer two primary types of ultrasound, each performed by a board-certified specialist:
- Abdominal Ultrasound: Evaluates the liver, kidneys, bladder, intestines, pancreas, spleen, and other internal organs. Ideal for investigating unexplained vomiting, lethargy, weight loss, or abnormal blood work.
- Heart Ultrasound (Echocardiography): Assesses heart structure and function to diagnose conditions such as heart murmurs, cardiomyopathy, or congenital heart defects.
Why Choose Our On-Site Ultrasound?
Having ultrasounds performed in our clinic offers significant advantages for pets and pet parents:
- Specialist-Performed: A board-certified veterinary specialist performs the ultrasound, ensuring all necessary images are captured and interpreted accurately.
- Immediate Results: Results are reviewed the same day, and a detailed summary is emailed within 24 hours.
- Second Opinion Included: Each ultrasound comes with expert recommendations, providing you with peace of mind and a trusted second opinion.
- Reduces Stress: Your pet stays in a familiar environment, avoiding the anxiety of traveling to another clinic.
- Minimizes Wait Times: No middleman or referral delays—diagnosis and treatment planning can begin immediately.
Scheduling an Ultrasound
Ultrasound procedures must be scheduled in advance and always follow a veterinary consultation with one of our veterinarians. This ensures appropriate testing is ordered, that you are fully informed, and that calming medication can be prescribed if needed. Fear-free medication is given a few hours before the ultrasound appointment to help your pet remain relaxed and comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do pets need sedation for an ultrasound?
Most pets tolerate ultrasounds well with our Fear-Free calming medications and do not require additional sedation. In some cases, additional sedation may be used to manage pain or for ultrasound-guided procedures.
How long does an ultrasound take?
Abdominal ultrasounds typically take 30–45 minutes, while echocardiograms may take 45–60 minutes, including the consultation and review of findings. Your pet will be admitted and remain in our care for a few hours while the procedure and consultation are completed.
